The Shoe Everyone Was Wearing the Year You Were Born

Shoe trends come and go—and then come back again. And then go away again. It's called the circle of life, baby, and you should just be thankful that comfy sneakers are so in right now. Click through to see the past 63 years of pumps, slides, platforms, clogs, peep-toes, and, yes, even Uggs.

H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStockGetty Images

1 of 63

1957: Loafers

Loafers were all the rage in the 1950s. They were comfortable, practical, and totally preppy when worn with bright white socks.

Debrocke/ClassicStockGetty Images

2 of 63

1958: Saddle Shoes

Both men and women were a fan of the saddle shoe, which was similar looking to what one wears at the bowling alley.

Henry ClarkeGetty Images

3 of 63

1959: Evening Shoes

In the decade of glamour, it was imperative for your footwear to be just as fancy as your evening gown. Hence the rise in popularity of jewel tone heels in silk and satin.

Hulton DeutschGetty Images

4 of 63

1960: Opera Stilletos

In the late '50s to early '60s, the stiletto was the cornerstone of any fashionable woman's wardrobe.

Tom Kelley ArchiveGetty Images

5 of 63

1961: Tennis Shoes

Playing tennis wasn't the only time you'd see people sporting a tennis shoe. The lace-up, thin-soled sneakers were worn by men and women, both on and off the court.

Henry ClarkeGetty Images

6 of 63

1962: Ankle Straps

A model for Vogue magazine pairs a trendy ankle strap sandal with her stylish ensemble.

Michael Ochs ArchivesGetty Images

7 of 63

1963: Pointy Toe Flats

Jacqueline Kennedy is escorted through an airport wearing a pair of chic, but practical, pointy toe flats.

M. McKeownGetty Images

8 of 63

1964: Modernist Boots

The popular and edgy boot took on heels in the '60s for a two-in-one shoe that worked with all kinds of outfits.

Central PressGetty Images

9 of 63

1965: Thigh-High Boots

The era of boots continues, this time with a style that was worn up to one's thigh, as seen here on actress Brigitte Bardot on a visit to London.

BettmannGetty Images

10 of 63

1966: Ankle Boots

Mini skirts and mini boots: The 1960s were nothing if not about challenging the norms.

Getty Images

11 of 63

1967: Kitten Heels

Brigitte Bardot wore the classic style, which was comfortable thanks to the little heel but dressy due to the pointed toe.

Mary Janes were popular among kids, like Jodie Foster pictured here on the TV show Paper Moon, and grown-ups alike.

Getty Images

19 of 63

1975: Block Heels

Jackie Onassis and her stepdaughter, Christina, wore these block-heel loafers as they touched down in Greece. Like kitten heels, the block heel had a sensible height but still worked for dressier occasions.

Getty Images

20 of 63

1976: Loafers

Goldie Hawn gave these slip-ons a Victorian feel with her ruffled shirt and velvet dress.

Getty Images

21 of 63

1977: Sneakers

Geraldine Chaplin (yes, Charlie Chaplin’s daughter!) wore sneakers behind the scenes of A Wedding, which she filmed with fellow actress Mia Farrow. Even her son got in on the trend!

Getty Images

22 of 63

1978: Wedges

Jane Fonda wore hers with socks and a pantsuit.

Getty Images

23 of 63

1979: Slouchy Boots

Pairing slouchy boots with long coats or dresses was a popular silhouette in this period, exemplified perfectly by Meryl Streep.

Getty Images

24 of 63

1980: Buckle Details

The ’80s ushered in an era of edgier shoe trends, as seen here on Gloria Estefan, who wore black leather boots with buckle detailing while performing at a concert.

Getty Images

25 of 63

1981: Pumps

Diana Ross wore the classic pump, which was also an ’80s office-attire staple, during this CBS television special with Michael Jackson.

Getty Images

26 of 63

1982: Ballet Flats

There’s no better fit for a princess than a classic, bow-adorned ballet flat—the style was a must for Princess Diana’s visit to the Isles of Scilly off the coast of England.

Getty Images

27 of 63

1983: Peep-Toe Shoes

Vanessa Williams wore peep-toe shoes, which had a comeback from the retro and pinup era of the ’40s and ’50s, onstage at the Miss America pageant.

Getty Images

28 of 63

1984: T-Strap Shoes

Actress Jane Seymour (far right) wore a satin version of the famous T-strap style.

Getty Images

29 of 63

1985: Patent-Leather Heels

There’s nothing that screams the ’80s like patent leather, and Tina Turner knew what was up when she wore these pumps while performing at Madison Square Garden.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.